Faithful Citizenship

The Catholic Church has long recognized that Christians "play their full role as citizens." In a 2002 Doctrinal Note, the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith emphasized that in fulfilling their civic duties, the lay faithful, guided by a Christian conscience, should infuse the temporal order with Christian values, while respecting the distinct order of the state and cooperating with other citizens.

Inspiring Words

"Man cannot be sundered from God, nor politics from morality."

-- Pope John Paul II,
Proclaiming Saint Thomas More
the Patron of Statesmen and Politicians

" ... The lay faithful are never to relinquish their participation in ‘public life’, that is, in the many different economic, social, legislative, administrative and cultural areas, which are intended to promote organically and institutionally the common good. This would include the promotion and defense of goods such as public order and peace, freedom and equality, respect for human life and for the environment, justice and solidarity."

-- Doctrinal Note on the Participation of Catholics in Political Life

" ... Responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation ... "

-- U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

How You Can Participate in the Political Process

Join » the Virginia Catholic Conference Advocacy Network

Act » on Conference Alerts; Contact Your Legislators

Participate » in Catholic Advocacy Day

Pray » for Church Leaders, Government Officials, Outcomes